How to Work in Sports Psychology

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Sports psychology is a relatively new field. The first sports psychology laboratory was opened in Berlin, Germany, in 1920. However, in North America, there was little research into this area until the 1960s. In 1966, the first sports psychology association was formed in Chicago. Sports psychology is now a viable field of study, and there are respected programs for undergraduates and graduate students. Follow these steps to work in sports psychology.

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Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Determine if you might be interested in the field of sports psychology. In order to succeed, you must have an interest in sports and have a likeable personality. Psychwatch offers links to associations, journals and other information on sports psychology that will help you to learn about the field.
Step 2

Earn a bachelor's degree in sports psychology. Some undergraduate psychology programs offer a broad range of psychology courses as well as a specialization in sports psychology. On the Master's and Doctorate level, your degree will be specifically in sports psychology.
Step 3

Talk to coaches and people involved in the field of sports psychology. Find out what a typical day is like and ask a lot of questions.
Step 4

Apply for an internship. If you are a student, you might be able to intern for a sports team. Other opportunities for sports psychologists include teaching and research.

Tips & Warnings

Before you enter the field, it's important to understand some of the drawbacks of a career in sports psychology. For one, most positions require at least a master's degree, so you have to be able to continue in school. The hours can be demanding and the pay is not always great. But if you love the field and want to make a difference in the lives of athletes, this might be the right career choice for you.

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